Managing the Stress of the Holidays

Learn ways to prevent holiday and post-holiday stress.

The winter holidays have their horrors -- commercialism, too much rich food, extra demands on your time, captive encounters with prickly relatives. But holiday blues are not as common -- or as serious -- as many psychologists used to believe. Holiday stress is greatly exaggerated, say researchers, who now believe that post-holiday letdown is a greater threat to emotional well-being for most people. Holiday blues typically exacerbate existing emotional problems, the experts say. Healthy people are likely to feel "up" for the holidays. The season has its benefits -- paid vacation, special events, family visits, and gift giving. But the post-holiday season, when you return unwanted gifts, pay the bills, and work off the added pounds, can drag you down.

To prevent the blues during or after the holidays:

• Maintain your exercise program (exercise is a great antidote for fatigue, depression and overindulging).


• Don't drink too much (alcohol depresses the central nervous system).


• Make time for the special things you want to do.


• Share a holiday meal with someone who needs a surrogate family, or volunteer to help out at a shelter or hospital.

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